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economy

Financing

Led by fast-food restaurants, franchising is expected to have a big year

 By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 05, 2025

Franchise growth is expected to outpace the broader economy on multiple measures in 2025, according to the International Franchise Association. Restaurants are expected to lead that growth.

Financing

Price may not be the only thing hurting restaurant traffic

 By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 04, 2025

The Bottom Line: An aging population could be putting some pressure on industry sales, as older people tend to eat out less often.

Financing

New tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China could drive up costs for restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2025

The Trump Administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China. The result could drive up the costs of commodities like avocados and baked goods, while slowing economic growth.

Financing

As Trump 2.0 starts, another round of inflation may loom for restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2025

Threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China could have a widespread impact on the industry, as could immigration restrictions, just as the environment normalizes.

Financing

Bird flu is wreaking havoc on egg prices

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 22, 2025

The price of eggs has more than doubled over the past year as avian influenza hits poultry farms across the country.

Financing

Restaurant sales declined in December

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 16, 2025

It was a fitting end to a year marked by closures, bankruptcies and weak traffic. The industry appeared to lose sales to grocery and liquor stores.

Financing

Restaurant menu price inflation remained steady last month

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 15, 2025

The inflationary gap between restaurants and supermarkets continued to narrow as the cost environment normalized.

Financing

McDonald's has a bigger economic impact than you think

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 15, 2025

The fast-food giant contributes $76 billion to the economy and employs more than 1 million total workers.

Financing

Despite closures and traffic challenges, restaurants keep adding jobs

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 10, 2025

The industry added 29,800 jobs in December, according to new federal data released Friday, as hiring and wage growth normalized.

Financing

As restaurants head into 2025, more economic uncertainty abounds

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 02, 2025

The operating environment and the economy should provide some tailwinds while the M&A market returns to normal. But tariffs and deportations could create some real headaches.

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